Foldable cover for the overhead protection of an occupant of a wheelchair or other wheeled vehicle

ABSTRACT

Two embodiments of a foldable cover for protecting the occupant of a wheelchair or other wheeled vehicle is described. The foldable cover includes a frame having two sections, a back section and a top section cantileverable from the back section over the normal space provided for an occupant. A mounting bar for rigidly mounting the back section and, hence, the remainder of the foldable cover is provided with both embodiments. The back section is pivotally connected to the mounting bar for pivoting movement between a stowed position in which such cover is out of the way of the occupant in a protected position in which it and the cantilevered top section cooperate to cover the occupant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 11/188,291 filedJul. 22, 2005; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,450 granted Jan. 8, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cover for the overhead protection of anoccupant of a wheelchair or other wheeled vehicle and, moreparticularly, to such a cover which is foldable and storable on thevehicle when not in use and includes many features which are quiteattractive to a disabled occupant.

Most wheelchairs or other wheeled vehicles designed for disabledoccupants do not include a cover providing overhead protection for theoccupant. While covers have been designed in the past, none has beenacceptable in the marketplace for various reasons. The result of thislack of adequate covers is that many disabled do not venture out if theexisting or potential weather is not conducive to uncovered travel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a foldable cover for protecting theoccupant of a wheelchair or other wheeled vehicle. It can be stowed whennot in use on the wheelchair itself.

In its basic aspects, the foldable cover of the invention includes aframe having at least two sections, a back section and a top sectioncantileverable from the back section over the normal space provided forthe occupant. It most desirably further includes a mounting bar forrigidly mounting the back section and, hence, the remainder of thefoldable cover, to the vehicle.

Although the mounting bar acts to rigidly secure the cover to a wheeledvehicle such as a wheelchair, the back section is pivotally connected tothe mounting bar for pivoting between a stowed position in which suchcover is out-of-the-way of the occupant and a protective position inwhich said back section and the cantilevered top section cooperate tocover the occupant. The stowed or storable position is one which isselected to facilitate erection. The cover of the invention alsoincludes a flexible covering which is supported by the frame sections.

The cantilever arrangement is most simply provided by the hingesecurance including an interference position between frame members inthe path of pivoting of the top section relative to the back section.The result is that the cantilevering is provided automatically when thetop and back sections are pivotally moved relative to one another.

One feature of the invention is that at least part of the top sectionhas a transverse width sized to fit within the transverse width of theback section. This geometric arrangement facilitates the collapsing ofthe frame to enable the foldable cover to be positioned in the stowedposition.

The invention includes other features and advantages which will bedescribed or will become apparent from the following more detaileddescription of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a foldable cover of theinvention that is lightweight, the cover of the embodiment being shownin its erected position providing overhead protection for an occupant.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a foldable cover ofthe invention installed on a motorized wheelchair.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the covering of the embodiment ofFIG. 2 showing an air vent.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial isometric views showing the embodiment of FIG.2 in stages of being moved to its stowed position.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing the embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 2 in its stowed position.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the frame arrangement of the embodimentof FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the frame of FIG. 7 showing the frame ina partially collapsed position with a component of top section fittingwithin the back section.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the hinge securance between theback section and the midsection component of the frame the top sectionof the embodiment of FIG. 2, said view generally being encircled in FIG.7.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the frame arrangement of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, similar to the showing in FIG. 1 of the frame ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of that portion of the frame of theembodiment of FIG. 1 encircled in FIG. 10, illustrating the manner inwhich there is an interference position between the pivoting top sectionand the back section resulting in the desired cantilever.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are partial isometric views similar to FIGS. 4 and 5showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in stages of being moved to its stowedposition, FIG. 13 showing the same in almost its stowed position.

FIG. 14 is a partial elevation view of the cover of FIG. 2 completelystowed.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged isometric view of the mount bar of the FIG. 1embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 of the mount bar showing anattachment for securing the foldable cover of the invention to a wheeledvehicle such as a scooter designed for use by the disabled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following, relatively detailed description is provided to satisfythe patent statutes. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,though, that various changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in combination witha standard push-type wheelchair. It can be seen how the foldable coverof the invention extends over the space provided for the occupant. Manyof the principles of the invention, though, can best be understood froma description of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2. With reference tosuch figure, the foldable cover 11 of this embodiment is an after marketitem attached to a motorized wheelchair 12. Such chair includes, as istypical, a pair of powered wheels 13 and a pair of front stabilizingwheels 14. A platform 16 is provided, separating the occupant space ofthe chair from the mechanics which result in the powering of the wheels.Although not shown in detail since the mechanics forms no part of theinvention, such mechanics include a battery pack and motor representedat 17.

The occupant space is defined by a chair having a back 18, two arms 19,and the usual footrests 21.

In accordance with normal practice, the chair 12 also includes a pair ofpush handles 22. It is to these push handles that the foldable cover ofthe invention is rigidly secured via an intermediate mount bar 23.

The foldable cover is made up of a frame 15 (described in more detailhereinafter), supporting a covering 20. The covering 20 is generallyopaque although it could be transparent. In this embodiment it isgenerally opaque with a transparent window at the location for the backof the head of an occupant of the wheelchair. Such covering also definessmall air vents at the location of the window to enable air to escapeand thus prevent pressure buildup from occurring within the covering andinterfering with its location over the space defined for an occupant.This is shown in FIG. 3 in which it is illustrated that air representedby arrow 30 is flowable between securing window fasteners from theinterior of the covering to the exterior.

As mentioned previously, the foldable cover of this embodiment is anafter market item. It is for this reason that the mount bar 23 isprovided. This mount bar 23 extends between the push handles 22 and isrigidly secured in front of the portion of the same designed to receivethe hands of a pusher. As is best illustrated in FIG. 8, the mount bar23 includes a plurality of slots 24 at two separated locationscorresponding to the locations of the push bars. Each group of slotsaccommodates a strap 26 or U bolt which passes about the associatedhandle bar and provides a rigid securance to the chair.

Although both embodiments being described have mount bars, such a bar isreally not necessary when one considers the basic aspects of the instantinvention. From the broad standpoint, the foldable cover need not be anafter market item and could be integrated into the chair itself with theresult that the mounting bar is not needed. Even when the cover isintegrated into the chair itself, it is rigidly securable to the chair.However, it is important is that the cover frame be pivotally connectedfor switching between a stowed or stored position on the wheelchair anda protective position in which it covers the occupant's space.

The stowed or stored position is selected to facilitate erection of thecover. While it is recognized that many disabled will not be able toerect the cover (or covers of any design at all), this positionfacilitates erection and permits erection by some disabled.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 being described, the frame is shown in itsentirety in FIG. 7 and is made up of a plurality of polyethylene plasticbars. It includes a back section 28 and two top section components, afront section component 29 and a midsection component 31.

When the cover of the invention is moved to its stowed position, thefront frame component 29 fits within the back section 28. That is, thetransverse width of the front section 29 is less than the transversewidth of the back section to accommodate such an arrangement, helping toprovide the cover in a compact, collapsed condition when it is in itsstored position.

Another important feature of the invention is that the cover extendsover the full occupant space. In this connection, in this embodiment thetop section made up of its components 29 and 31 are cantilevered fromthe back section 28. This is facilitated by including a hinged securanceof the top midsection component to the back section with an interferenceposition. This midsection is sandwiched between the back section and thefront section component. When the cover is erected, this front componentis, in essence, an extension of the midsection component so that the twotop components are serially cantilevered from the back section.

The relationship resulting in the interference position for thisembodiment is best illustrated in FIG. 9. Such figure is a blow-up of aportion of the frame shown in FIG. 7, but in a somewhat differentposition. As illustrated, the back section 28 and midsection 31 arehingedly connected together by an L-shaped hinge 32. However, the end 33of the frame piece 31 is designed to abut against the frame piece 28 andthus provide the interference position which results in thecantilevering of the midsection frame and, hence, the full top sectionfrom the back section as desired.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate steps in the folding of the cover. As can beseen from FIG. 4, as the front component 29 of the top section is foldedrearwardly, it takes the flexible covering 20 with the same. It isfolded to be generally parallel to the top component 31. As aparticularly salient feature of the instant invention, the front section29 has a transverse width less than that of the back section 28 with theresult that it fits within the width of such back section when thefoldable cover of the invention is stowed. While this can be seen inFIG. 5 and FIG. 6 (which shows the foldable cover fully stowed) it isbest illustrated in FIG. 8 which does not include the covering. Thisdimensional relationship aids in assuring that when the foldable coveris in its stowed position, it is a relatively compact arrangement.

As mentioned previously, the mount bar 23 assures that rigid securanceto the wheelchair is achieved. As discussed previously, a pair of spacedgroups of slots 24 accommodate Velcro straps or U bolts which extendaround the two push handles of a wheelchair to enable the bar to berigidly secured thereto. The cover itself is then pivotally connected tothe bar, i.e., the back section 28 is so connected, to enable the coverto be moved from its protective position to its stowed position.

It will be seen from the above how the frame is designed not only toprovide the desired foldability, but also to make sure that the fulloccupant space is covered. It is not necessary, though, that the topsection be made up of a plurality of section components to provide thedesired coverage. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 is anexample. Its frame is made from spring wire. More particularly, as isbest shown in FIG. 13, the frame includes both a back section 41 out ofspring wire and a front section 42 which is cantilevered therefrom. (By“spring” wire is meant wire which is flexible and “springs back” to itsoriginal position once the force which is responsible for the flexing isreleased.)

With reference to FIG. 1, the foldable cover of this embodiment is alsoan after market item and is rigidly secured to a regular push wheelchair43 via a mount bar 44. (This mount bar 44 is different than the mountbar of the embodiment of FIG. 2 and will be described in more detailhereinafter.)

The foldable cover of the FIG. 1 embodiment is made up both of acovering 46 and the frame discussed previously. The covering is alsoeither fully transparent or generally opaque with a window 47 asillustrated. Such covering is secured to the frame only at the frontedge 48 and therefore follows the frame when it is erected but enablesthe frame (and cover) to be folded easily. The air vent provided by thisembodiment is simple in that the window is secured only at the upper endof the same to the remainder of the covering by a standard hook-loopsecuring tape (not visible), such as that sold with the trademarkVelcro. The result is that the full sides of the windows provide airvents. A simple hole 50 is provided in the center of the front of thecover so that the user can easily attach a bungee cord or the like tothe front of the cover to keep it from being blown in a strong wind orthe like.

Reference is made to FIG. 10 for a better understanding of the frame ofthis embodiment. The back section 41 is of a one-piece construction ofspring wire with a transverse portion 49 extending between its twoelongated side portions 51.

The top section 42 is pivotally hinged to the back section via bolts 52.That is, with reference to FIG. 11, it is seen that the side portions 51of the back section are folded around to make a loop through which bolts52 extend. The spring wire of the back section then continues to formthe transverse portion 49. The free ends of the spring wire making upthe front section 42 are respectively secured around the bolts 52 asillustrated, and as a significant feature of the invention theconstruction results in the top section 42 being cantilevered from theback section. That is, as can be seen from FIG. 11 the transverseportion 49 of the back section interferes with pivoting motion of thetop section 42 relative to the back section beyond the position which isshown. In other words, an interference position in each hinge connectionis provided to assure that the cantilever is achieved. (It will beappreciated that although only one end is shown, the manner in which theother end of the top section interacts with the back section is simply amirror image of that shown.) As illustrated, ties are provided to enablethe forward lower end of the cover to be secured on each side to thewheelchair arms. This arrangement helps to maintain the cover in placewhen it is erected.

As mentioned previously, the covering is only secured to the frame atthe front edge of the foldable cover. The result is that when the topsection of the frame is pivoted or folded to the stowed position in thedirection of the arrow 53 in FIG. 12, the covering 46 falls away fromthe same and simply follows the frame. The transverse width of the topsection of the frame is slightly less than the transverse width of theback section defined by the wire portion 51 to thereby facilitatefolding.

FIG. 12 shows an intermediate position when the cover of the inventionis being folded to the stowed or stored position. The back section ofthe frame is pivotally connected to the mount bar 44 so that the wholeconstruction can be folded into the collapsed portion illustrated inFIG. 13. This embodiment is different than the earlier embodiment inthat it includes a bag enclosure 54 for housing the cover when it is inits stowed position. This bag enclosure is made up of front and backpanels with the front panel permanently secured along an edge (the edgeopposite edge 56) to the back panel, and the front panel is wrappedaround the cover to the edge 56; the bottom of the enclosure beingclosed by a zipper (not shown) which extends upward along the edge 56 tothereby secure the front panel 58 of the bag enclosure to the backpanel. The result of this construction is that the bottom and both sidesof the bag enclosure are enclosed. A flap 59 (FIG. 14) is provided toclose the top portion and provide complete protection for the foldablecover of the invention when it is stowed. It should be noted that whilefor clarity purposes, in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 the front panel 58 of thebag enclosure is shown extending outward from the back panel, as apractical matter when the foldable cover of the invention is erected,the front panel is simply zipped to the back panel to thereby provide anempty bag enclosure and for clarity purposes, the bag enclosure is notshown in FIG. 1.

The front panel 58 of the enclosure is provided with a pouch 61 for theoccupant to carry various items, such as groceries. It should be notedthat the flap 59 extends over the opening into the pouch.

A sun visor or the like similar to those provided in automobiles can beprovided on the front of the cover to 15 enable the occupant to obtainshade as desired.

As mentioned previously, the mount bar 44 of this embodiment isdifferent than the mount bar of the other earlier described embodiment.As shown in FIG. 15, such mount bar is similar to the earlier mount barin that it extends between the push handles 62 of the chair to which thefoldable cover is secured. However, it differs in that it includes apair of opposed U-shaped clamps 63 and 64 maintaining the same inposition on the push bars. Clamp 63 is held rigidly in position by abolt 66 extending through one of a plurality of holes 67. In contrast,the clamp 64 is secured to the remainder of the mount bar 68 via a bolt69, which extends through a slot 71. The result of this construction isthat a quick release mechanism is provided on the mount bar forselectively providing the rigid securance to a wheelchair. In thisconnection, when the mount bar is initially installed, the bolt 66 istightened through an appropriate one of the holes 67 to center the mountbar, and then the bracket 64 is slipped on the other push handle 62 tolocate the same for the rigid securance; then the bolt 69 is tightened.It will be appreciated that with this arrangement to remove the mountbar and, hence, the foldable cover from the chair it is only necessaryto loosen the bolt 69 and slide the bracket 64 to disengage the samefrom its respective handle and the full mount bar from the chair.

Mount bar 44 is quite versatile and can be used to mount the foldablecover (or any other desired structure) to other vehicles, such as thescooters typically used by the disabled. As shown in FIG. 16 the mountbar includes a bracket 72 designed to mate with and be secured to achannel extension 73. Such extension is designed to be adjustablyreceived within an L-shaped connector 74 and, in this connection, aplurality of holes 76 are provided for interaction with a pin 77 toenable one to select an appropriate height. The L-shaped connector 34is, in turn, held by a pin 78 within a receiver 79 of the type typicallyfound at the rear of scooters and the like.

It will be recognized from the above that this embodiment isparticularly lightweight and is therefore especially useful with pushchairs. Moreover, the foldable cover of the invention is easily movedbetween the fully upright condition and a stowed position.

As mentioned at the beginning of the detailed description, applicant isnot limited to the specific embodiments and variations described above.For example, it may be desirable to provide two different coverings fora single foldable cover of the invention, one covering being fullytransparent for use in storms and the like (provide protection withoutinterfering with visibility) and one generally opaque for protectionfrom the sun. It will also be recognized that the cover of the inventioncan be used with other wheeled vehicles. It is not limited to use withthose designed for the disabled. The claims, their equivalents, andtheir equivalent language define the scope of protection.

1. A foldable cover for the overhead protection of an occupant of awheeled vehicle, which cover is storable on the wheeled vehicle when notin use in a position facilitating erection to provide said overheadprotection, the cover comprising: a frame having at least two sections:a back section and a top section cantileverable from said back sectionover the normal space provided by said vehicle for said occupant, saidframe being rigidly securable to said vehicle with said back sectionpivotally connected for switching said cover between a stowed positionon said vehicle and a protective position covering the occupant space;and a flexible covering supported by said frame sections.